Dr. Arthur Jun Niimi

Dear Family & Friends,

If you’ve found me here, you know that I have departed ‘your world’. I started my journey in the late morning of, Monday October 23, 2023 and reached the Pearly Gates, just in time for lunch. I had quite the welcome, when I arrived. Waiting to greet me with open arms, were my parents Edith and Masayuki, my brother Andy, Liz’s parents Johanna and Arnold, her two brothers Clemens and Jan and our good friends Fatima, Tony, Ed and Ron.

Please don’t be sad, I haven’t felt this good, in a very long time! My mind is crystal clear and my body doesn’t ache anymore. I am strong and full of everlasting life! I plan to golf everyday, fish, tend to the beautiful gardens in this paradise above, listen to ABBA and enjoy a glass of red wine, as I wind down from the day. But oh, how I will miss enjoying some President’s Choice Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookies. So, think of me, when you enjoy this treat as it will bring a SMILE to my face!

To my loving wife Liz (Elisabeth), of over 40 years, I will miss you! We lead a simple life and I will cherish every moment, we had together! Remember, I will always be with you and remain in your heart. When you need me, call and I will come. You will always know; I am near by. Though you can’t see or touch me, if you listen with your heart, you will hear my words of comfort and LOVE, and peace will surround you. I am a man of few words and didn’t say it enough but Liz, I will always LOVE you! And, when it’s time for you to travel this path, I’ll be waiting at the Pearly Gates, to greet you with a SMILE and Welcome you Home, to be together again!

To our daughter Julia, thank you for being with me, as my spirit went to heaven. That is probably the most heartfelt moment, we have ever shared together, and I will forever cherish that memory! Your Pups loves you very much, and I am so proud of the young woman you have become. I know, I didn’t tell you enough but I have loved you since the day you were born. You filled our lives with so much joy and happiness, over the years. Please look out for your mother, and spend as much time as you can together. She has always wanted the best for you, Julia and needs your companionship and your love now, more than anything she can dream of! Know your light, will always brighten her spirits!

To my sister Mary Ann, thank you for taking the long trip to see me and my family, three times in the past year. Hearing your voice on the phone has been so wonderful but seeing you in person, will never be forgotten, thank you! You have always been there, holding our family together. Keep talking and I will listen. Tom, my favourite brother-in-law (shhh, I won’t tell the other two), thank you for your friendship, all these many years. I’ve enjoyed golfing with you and spending time together. I did miss the days, when my dad and brother Andy, joined us. Take care of my sister! My nephew Darin, thank you for making the trip with your parents, to see us in the spring. It was wonderful to see you after all these years. You are a good mix, of both of your parents.

To my cousin Pat, thank you for joining Mary Ann, on her last trip to visit with me, a few months ago. It’s been a while but so nice to see you again. I know Liz really enjoyed, all the trips with you and Mary Ann and all the places, you travelled together. Your friendship means so much to Elisabeth.

To my longtime comrade Joe, thank you for your friendship, over the many years! Liz and I always looked forward, to our Wednesday dinners together. We share delicious meals that you and Liz prepared, and it was so exciting, tasting new wines together. In the last year and a half, I really appreciated all your weekly visits and the food you left, for me to enjoy. Thank you, my friend!

To Yoko and Terry, thank you both for staying in touch, after all these years! I thoroughly enjoyed your visits and the homemade treats, you left behind. Hard to believe, that we retired so many years ago as it only seems like yesterday. Time has passed by so quickly! Take care of each other!

To my early morning Golf buddies, I can’t express how much I enjoyed, teeing off first thing with the ‘DAWN PATROL”, every morning. We had many years of memories and I’ll be back on the course, very soon. I will think of you often, as I tee off in the heavens above!

To Liz’s friends, Lois, Josephine, Ann, Marjorie, Teresa, Marg and Lorraine, thank you for being there as Liz navigates, her new path. It’s comforting for me to know Liz, will not be alone. She has all of you to connect with and share life’s experiences! Know that Elisabeth values your warmth and friendship. You all mean, the world to her!

To my sister-in-law Gertie (Clemens), and the rest of our family in Germany, and Gilda and Armos in Israel, thank you for being a constant support, to Elisabeth! I know she looks forward to your phone calls, and catching up on activities, in your lives.

Thank you to the Team, at the Riverside Glen ‘Hotel’ for looking after me, for the past year and a half, under the guidance of Byrce McBain and Dr. R. F. Fewster. There are so many people in the Arthur Neighbourhood, I’d like to thank and you know who you are. Nurse Madison, thank you for being there in the last hours, before I departed. I know how busy you were but you made the time, to provide the care I needed while keeping my family, up to date.

I’ve never been very good at sharing things about myself but here are a few details. I was born in Kloolauloa Hawaii, on Thursday June 5, 1941. I was named Arthur but preferred being called Art but my parents called me Atta.

I did my undergrad and Masters of Science in Zoology, at the University of Hawaii and earned my PhD. at the University of Guelph. Liz and I met, working in the Lab at the University. She ran a tight ship but I think, she had a soft spot for me. During my career, I had the opportunity to work with, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. I also published many papers, which can now be found online.

When we went home to Hawaii to visit, I always enjoyed visiting the other islands, eating local foods that I missed, reminiscing about the ‘good times’ with family and friends. I enjoyed going shoreline fishing with my cousin John and my brother Andy, when he was alive, and of course golfing with Tom and the gang.

I loved visiting Asia, especially Japan. I worked on a Genealogy Family Tree, for both sides of my family. It was a lot of work but learned so much about my family, along the way. It was our grandparents, who immigrated to America.

Most of all, I enjoyed puttering around our garden and being at home with my family!

Even though I don’t feel it is necessary, there will be a small Celebration of Life, at a later date.

Until we meet again, Aloha!

Art

In lieu of flowers, donations in my memory, can be made to the following organizations, with appreciation:

The Guelph Public Library

The Arboretum

Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis

Alzheimer’s Society of Waterloo Wellington

Live and Learn Centre Inc (unfortunately donation tax receipts, are not available)

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